A hernia occurs when part of an organ (usually the intestines) sticks through a weak point or tear in the thin muscular wall that holds the abdominal organs in place.
There are several types of hernias, based on where they occur:
Inguinal hernia appears as a bulge in the groin or scrotum. This type is more common in men than women.
Femoral hernia appears as a bulge in the upper thigh. This type is more common in women than in men.
Incisional hernia can occur through a scar if you have had abdominal surgery.
Umbilical hernia appears as a bulge around the belly button. It occurs when the muscle around the navel doesn't close completely.
Alternative Names
Hernia - inguinal; Inguinal hernia
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Usually, there is no obvious cause of a hernia, although they are sometimes associated with heavy lifting.
Hernias can be seen in infants and children. This can happen when the lining around the abdominal organs does not close properly before birth. About 5 out of 100 children have inguinal hernias (more boys than girls). Some may not have symptoms until adulthood.
If you have any of the following, you are more likely to develop a hernia:
Femoral hernia (2 images)(Doctor-Reviewed information)
A femoral hernia is the sticking out of a part of the intestine through a weakening in the abdominal wall near the thigh.A hernia occurs when abdominal contents, usually part of the small intestine, push through a weak point or tear in the thin mu...Reviewer: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; and George F. Longstreth, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program, San Diego, California. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc. Date: 10/24/2008
Hiatal hernia (2 images)(Doctor-Reviewed information)
Hiatal hernia is a condition in which a portion of the stomach protrudes upward into the chest, through an opening in the diaphragm. The diaphragm is the sheet of muscle that separates the chest from the abdomen. Reviewer: Christian Stone, MD, Division of Gastroenterology, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.Date: 03/08/2008
Anti-reflux surgery (1 image)(Doctor-Reviewed information)
Anti-reflux surgery is surgery to correct a problem with the muscles at the bottom of the esophagus(the tube from your mouth to the stomach). Problems with these muscles allow gastroesophageal reflux disease(GERD) to happen.Fundoplication; Nissen ...Reviewer: George F Longstreth, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program San Diego, California. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.Date: 02/07/2009
Umbilical hernia (1 image)(Doctor-Reviewed information)
An umbilical hernia is an outward bulging(protrusion) of the abdominal lining or part of the abdominal organ(s) through the area around the belly button.An umbilical hernia in an infant occurs when the muscle through which blood vessels pass to fe...Reviewer: Rachel A. Lewis, MD, FAAP, Columbia University Pediatric Faculty Practice, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.Date: 08/15/2007
Umbilical hernia repair(Doctor-Reviewed information)
Umbilical hernia repair is surgery to repair an umbilical hernia. An umbilical hernia is a weak spot in the inner liningof your belly that allows tissue in your abdomen to push through.You will probably receive general anesthesia(asleep and pain-f...Reviewer: Robert A. Cowles, MD, Assistant Professor of Surgery, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.Date: 01/30/2009
Diaphragmatic hernia (1 image)(Doctor-Reviewed information)
A diaphragmatic hernia is a birth defect in which there is an abnormal opening in the diaphragm, the muscle that helps you breathe. The opening allows part of the abdominal organs to move into the chest area.Hernia- diaphragmatic; Congenital herni...Reviewer: Daniel Rauch, MD, FAAP, Director, Pediatric Hospitalist Program, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.Date: 07/26/2007
Diaphragmatic hernia repair - congenital(Doctor-Reviewed information)
The diaphragm is a large dome-shaped muscle that separates the chest cavity (where your heart and lungs are) from the belly area. A diaphragmatic hernia is an opening or tear in the diaphragm. Reviewer: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.Date: 01/10/2009
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (3 images)
Average Rating:
(Doctor-Reviewed information)
Gastroesophageal reflux disease(GERD) is a condition in which food or liquid travels backwards from the stomach to the esophagus(the tube from the mouth to the stomach). This action can irritate the esophagus, causing heartburn and other symptoms....Reviewer: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.Date: 09/07/2008
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